Vitoria-Gasteiz – The other Spain
Vitoria – capital of the Basque Country and Girona (in Catalonia), another city with a very well preserved medieval quarter, are chosen every year among the Spanish cities with the best quality of life.
In the case of Vitoria, the reason lies in its nickname, the “green city”. It deserves the name not only thanks to the many parks and tree-lined avenues throughout the whole city, but also to its so called “green belt” (Cinturón Verde), a lovely preserved belt of forests and wetlands that completely encircle the town.
The Salburúa marsh is a fascinating space for bird-watchers, a green oasis for aquatic birds; paradoxically very close to Vitoria´s industrial area. Starting from here, you will find more than 30 km. of walking paths through nature and around the whole town.
Two quite big interconnected water reservoirs engulf the land to the north of Vitoria, creating a lake area surrounded by an alpine landscape. They feed half of the Basque Country with fresh water and offer inland beaches to the region. You may also find excellent restaurants around the lakes.
So many activities have whetted your appetite? No problem, for you are in the Basque Country, meaning that eating out will be no problem at all. Try some tapas in the neoclassical quarter around the old town as appetizers.
Later, you can continue with dinner in one of the many restaurants that serve Basque high cuisine or traditional Basque food, both in quantity and quality, in any of the many popular sidrerías in and around town.
If you are lucky to pay a visit to Vitoria in late April, do not wonder if you find the masculine half of the town formed in groups, parading and wearing a chef´s uniform armed with enormous spoons and musical instruments. It is the San Prudencio Festival and it will give you an inside view of the Basque passion for food and lifestyle.
There are many hotels in and around Vitoria, of all categories. Very recommendable is the Parador Nacional de Argómaniz, completely refurbished and located in a nice Renaissance palace outside the town. You can also choose between many Casas Rurales around the town.
These family inns are located in old, lovely restored village houses and cottages with all the comforts you may need. In both cases do not miss Vitoria´s surroundings; they will offer you a landscape and people you do not expect from Spain.
Vitoria and its surroundings can be easily reached from Madrid (360 km by highway or train) or Bilbao (60 km), also by highway.